THE CITIZENS POST WCFC v Thatcham Town FC Tuesday 21st August 2018 Evo-Stik League South Division One South

Winchester City Football Club is a committee run members club and as such is an unincorporated association.

THE CITIZENS POST FROM THE BOARDROOM

Good Evening all and welcome to the Simplyhealth City Ground for our first home league game of the 2018- 19 season, against Thatcham Town. The Kingfishers are still riding on the crest of a wave following last seasons’ league success, not to mention the FA Vase. It is great to welcome back to the Simplyhealth City Ground, Danny Robinson, Matt Benham, Andy Jenkinson, Michael Miller and Matt Scott this evening too. It has been a successful summer on the pitch with victories against Cove, Kidlington, Eastleigh, Dorchester Town and Hungerford Town. There were also creditable draws with Weymouth and Salisbury, not to mention winning the Dave Jose Memorial Trophy away at Bashley on penalties. Off the pitch, there have been several new additions to the committee, we welcome to the committee: Jo Brocksom Ryan Andress Allan Higgs Ken Raisbeck Liam Difford Thank-you to all Members and Season Ticket Holders that have renewed for this 2018-19 campaign, your support is very much appreciated! New sponsors Shorewood Homes and Holiday Inn Winchester are on board for the new season, with others set to follow. It is an exciting time to be a Citizen and we thank-you for your continued support. Thanks to all the supporters that made the journey to Mangotsfield United to support the boys on Saturday. It was a difficult game but a fantastic three points to start the season with. Our leader, Craig Davis, of course missed the game due to illness (Davo was in fact in Hospital) and this was the first game he has EVER missed. He is on the mend now though, get well soon Craig! Enjoy the game tonight and see you all back here on Saturday when we welcome Bournemouth Poppies to the Simplyhealth City Ground in the FA Cup! Up the Citizens! Matt Richbell, Club Secretary. THE CITIZENS POST DAVO’S DIARY

Good evening and a warm welcome to everyone back for a new season at the Simplyhealth stadium. We are delighted to welcome Thatcham Town in their return to Southern league football, they have certainly earned the right to be here winning a tight Hellenic league and winning the vase, genuinely delighted for Danny Robinson for his success which is well deserved. I go back with both Danny and his assistant Andy Darnton a long way and I am good friends with them, so it will be good to have a battle with them tonight, we know it will be a tough game, but we look forward to it. I wish all their players, supporters and officials a pleasant stay with us and a safe trip home.

It has been a long preseason, extended by a week due to the FA cup needing sides from step 4 to enter, this meant they moved the official league start date back a week, this happened just as we were starting back so it felt a long time, I have to say though that the efforts the boys (and my staff) have put in has been massive! We have assembled a group of lads who want to work for each other and the 6/7 weeks of preparation has been great, some excellent results but more importantly good performances with us working on so many different situations that can arise in a game, so pleased to have a group of lads like it, we know that in reality not a lot is expected of us compared to a lot of other clubs, however there is so many aspects of football that finances is not an excuse for, effort, preparation, attitude, spirit to name a few and it’s what we will be using to bridge that gap. I am pleased with what we have, and we will see how far we can go.

Saturday was a very good day, forgetting anything that I had to deal with, I am so proud of the lads, they followed the game plan and battled and battled for a brilliant 2-1 away win with Oli and Tyrell getting the goals, well done to the rest of my staff for rallying around and putting the plans into operation! You get out of something what effort you put in!! Well done boys.

Finally, on a player note, we are without Rob Carr for a while due to his long honeymoon, also Liam Gilbert is still injured although on his way back! Matt Andrews, I have dual registered short term to Fleetlands to get some games and he has scored 3 in 2 games and won both their games after losing their first 3, he has made a massive impact there so well done Matty! Also, Callum Kitcher has dual registered with Bemerton in order to gain some experience, look forward to him being back again soon.

Look forward to the game tonight and hearing everyone roar us on, we are ready for a really tough test and let’s hope for a positive result!

Up the Citizens!!

Davo

THE CITIZENS POST TODAY’S VISITORS – THATCHAM TOWN FC CLUB HISTORY

Thatcham Town Football Club was founded in 1894. The club were originally known as Thatcham, with ‘Town’ added to its name in 1974. In the early years Thatcham played at The Marsh on Dunston Green, Brownsfield (home of the Cricket Club), Station Road, and in 1949 moved to Lancaster Close. In January 1983 a friendly was played against Fulham FC to commemorate the switching on of new floodlights. To provide improved facilities the club moved to Waterside Park in 1992/93. The club joined the Reading Temperance League in 1896, winning the Division Two title in 1905/06. In 1953 Thatcham became founder members of the Hellenic League and won promotion to the Premier Division as Division One champions in 1958/59, 1964/65 and 1972/73. The club then won the Hellenic Premier Division title in 1974/75. Following spells in the Athenian and London Spartan Leagues, the club joined the newly formed Wessex League in 1986 and won the title in 1995/96. After finishing second in 2005/06, ground requirements were met earning promotion to step four. The Kingfishers spent eight seasons in the Southern League Division One – seven in the South & West Division and one (2012/13) in the Central. After sixth-placed finishes in 2006/07 and 2008/09, the club achieved its highest ever position in 2010/11. Despite being in the bottom half of the table at Christmas, the club earned 38 points from the final 15 matches to finish in fifth, however Thatcham were beaten at Sholing in the play-off semi-final. Once safety was assured in 2013/14, the club resigned from the Southern League to cut costs by playing at a lower level. Town finished twelfth in their first campaign back in the Hellenic Premier, and finished second and fourth the next two seasons. However, in 2017/18 the club embarked on an incredible 40 game unbeaten run which saw them overtake long-time leaders Highworth Town and eventually pip Bracknell Town to the title on goal difference. In 1989 Thatcham reached the last eight of the FA Vase, and in the same competition a record attendance of 1,400 was set when Aldershot Town won 1-0 at Waterside Park in 1993/94. However, in 2017/18, Thatcham went all the way and rounded off a magnificent season by lifting the trophy at Wembley Stadium! A fifth-round win against Bromsgrove Sporting brought realisation the club could be on the verge of something special, then over 2,200 attended the quarter-final victory at Melksham Town as cup fever swept the town. Thatcham defeated 1874 Northwich 1-0 and 3-2 in the two-legged semi-final and took over 5,000 fans to Wembley as Stockton Town were beaten 1-0 in the final. The club’s 2017/18 trophies: the Hellenic League Premier Division Shield & the FA Vase 1996/97 saw Thatcham’s best FA Cup run as they reached the Fourth Qualifying Round, but the club are yet to progress beyond the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy. Thatcham completed the Hellenic league and cup double, by lifting the Hellenic First Division Cup in 1972/73 and the Premier Division Cup in 1974/75. Also, in 2017/18 the club reached both league cup finals, only to lose to Bracknell in the Challenge Cup and Binfield in the Floodlit Cup. Meanwhile during the 1990s Thatcham won the Wessex League Cup on four occasions, completing the double in 1995/96. In 1974/75 the club lost the final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup but were awarded the trophy following a dispute between Wycombe Wanderers and the Berks & Bucks FA. Following Thatcham Town’s best ever season, the club are hungry for further success and will play in the Southern League Division 1 South during 2018/19. Meanwhile a Development Team will play in the Hellenic League D2 East to help bridge the gap between the Youth and First teams.

THE CITIZENS POST TODAY’S VISITORS – THATCHAM TOWN FC PLAYER PROFILES

CHRIS RACKLEY (GK) – Played every minute of last season’s Hellenic League campaign and kept a clean sheet in the FA Vase final win at Wembley.

GARETH THOMAS (DEF) – Former player-manager with over 250 appearances under his belt for Town. Returned from a spell at Hungerford in January ‘18.

LUKE CAIRNEY (GK) – Ex-Farnborough and Andover keeper who signed in July ’18 and will provide great competition for the number 1 jersey. Also represents the Army.

MICHAEL MILLER (DEF) – Athletic and versatile defender who has made over 60 appearances for Thatcham since joining from Winchester City.

MATT SCOTT (DEF) – Tall and powerful centre-back who joined from Andover Town and brings Wessex League experience from spells with Downton and Winchester City.

MARK HUGHES (DEF) – Veteran defender who initially joined the club back in 2010 and is a strong goal-scoring threat from set pieces.

CURTIS ANGELL (DEF) – Hard- working full-back who became a regular choice last season and was instrumental in helping the club win the double.

TOM BROWNE (DEF) – Loyal servant who has been with the club since 2014. A left-sided player who loves to go forward and is a dead-ball specialist.

JOSH MADDISON (DEF) – Tough-tackler who is comfortable at centre-back or right-back and has previously captained Wessex League side AFC Portchester.

BEN COOK (MID) – Central midfielder who joined in July ’18 from Andover Town having previously been on the books of Oxford United and Amesbury Town.

LEWIS COYLE (MID) – Exciting player with a great pedigree and a magical left foot. Has scored lots of goals at this level for Kidlington

ANDY JENKINSON (MID) – Ex Basingstoke and Maidenhead player who has signed from Winchester City. Played briefly for Thatcham in 2011/12 on work experience from Reading FC.

TOM MELLEDEW (MID) – Club captain who lifted the FA Vase at Wembley last season and has made 200+ appearances for the club over the past decade.

SCOTT REES (MID) – Central midfielder who was part of the 2011/12 play-off reaching squad and has returned to the club from Hungerford Town.

JOSH HOWELL (MID) – Has re-joined the club from Binfield after his first spell with the club was wrecked by a bad knee injury in August ’16.

LAMIN SANKOH (MID) – A tricky winger who signed from Highmoor Ibis in July ’17 but had his season disrupted by injury.

MATT BENHAM (FOR) – Striker who is also comfortable out wide. Has joined Town from Paulton Rovers but has also played for Winchester City.

EKOW ELLIOTT (FOR) – A fans’ favourite who signed in 2017 from Blackfield & Langley and scored some crucial goals in the club’s successful FA Vase run.

SHANE COOPER-CLARK (FOR) – Scorer of an incredible 105 goals in 110 appearances for Town, including the winner in the FA Vase Final at Wembley!

JAMES TENNANT (FOR) – Attacking player who is comfortable up front or down the flanks. Scored 17 goals in the club’s 2016/17 Hellenic League campaign and has re-joined from Hartley Wintney.

GEORGE HALLAHAN (FOR) – A prolific striker who netted 21 times for Andover Town last season and has also been amongst the goals in his spells with AFC Portchester and Basingstoke Town.

THE CITIZENS POST CROWDFUNDING https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt- richbell-1

Visit the link above to donate to the football club. Supporters are doing their bit for the club! 10km runs, Half Marathons and Tough Mudder’s are all taking place to raise money for the club. Thanks for your support!

THE CITIZENS POST PRE-SEASON RESULTS

Saturday 7th July Cove 0-2 WCFC (Mitford, Own Goal) Saturday 14th July WCFC 6-0 Hungerford Town (Bailey 2, Carr 2, Mitford, Koroma) Tuesday 17th July WCFC 1-1 Salisbury (Rusher) Wednesday 18th July Brockenhurst 2-0 WCFC Friday 20th July Sholing 1-1 WCFC (Bailey) Tuesday 24th July Bashley 1-1 WCFC (City win on pens) (Mitford) Saturday 28th July WCFC 2-0 Eastleigh (Mitford (pen), Bailey) Wednesday 1st August WCFC 5-1 Dorchester Town (Barron 2, Bailey, Mlambo, Andrews) Saturday 4th August WCFC 2-2 Weymouth (Cook, Rawkins) Saturday 11th August Kidlington 1-2 WCFC (Mitford, Bailey) THE CITIZENS POST WCFC FORTHCOMING FIXTURES Wednesday 22nd August Wimborne Town Reserves v WCFC Reserves (19:45) Wyvern Premier Division

Saturday 25th August WCFC v Bournemouth FC (15:00) – FA Cup Preliminary Round

Monday 27th August Moneyfields v WCFC (15:00) – Evo-Stik League South Division One South

Saturday 1st September WCFC v Melksham Town (15:00) – Evo-Stik League South Division One South

THE CITIZENS POST WHO’S WHO?

BEHIND THE SCENES

PRESIDENT – JOHN MOODY RPSL CHAIRMAN – ELLIOTT TRODD DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL – DAVID MALONE VICE PRESIDENT –STEVE BRINE MP & COUNCILLOR IAN TAIT LIFE VICE PRESIDENTS – TERRY PAINE MBE & TERRY BONE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN – SECRETARY – MATT RICHBELL TREASURER – PAUL MURRAY MBE COMMITTEE MEMBERS –WAYNE ELKINS, ROBERT CONWAY, SALLY STATHAM, STEVE (RONNIE) RAINBIRD, ELLIOTT TRODD, MATT RICHBELL, MIKE CARTER, JO BROCKSOM, ALLAN HIGGS, KEN RAISBECK, JOHN MOODY, MARGARET MOODY, JUDY MALONE, JUDITH TOWERTON, DAVID MALONE, RYAN ANDRESS, MARTIN MOODY, LIAM DIFFORD HEAD OF COMMERCIAL – MIKE CARTER & MATT RICHBELL CAR PARKING & STADIUM – SALLY STATHAM STADIUM ANNOUNCER – WAYNE ELKINS WEBSITE – STEVE (RONNIE) RAINBIRD PROGRAMME EDITORS – MATT RICHBELL & MIKE CARTER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – WAYNE ELKINS GROUND MAINTENANCE – MIKE CARTER & DAVE GREEN GROUNDSMAN – RAY BULPIT CHIEF STEWARD – STEVE RAINBIRD BAR MANAGER – KEVIN WATKINS PHOTOGRAPHER – TONY SMITH PLAYER SHIRTS SPONSORS – ROB CONWAY SHOP MANAGER – NIKKI PERCIVAL ASST. SHOP MANAGER – ROD YOUNGMAN CLUB CATERING – JUDY MALONE, JUDITH TOWERTON, TINA ELKINS, MARGARET MOODY & SALLY STATHAM CAR PARKING – SALLY STATHAM, DAVE GREEN 50-50 DRAW – JUDY MALONE, JUDITH TOWERTON. TURNSTILE OPERATORS – RICH PICKETT & ALLY BROWN

ON THE PITCH FIRST-TEAM MANAGER – CRAIG DAVIS FIRST-TEAM ASSISTANT MANAGER – JOHN McFARLANE DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL – DAVID MALONE SPORTS THERAPISTS – JO BROCKSOM CHIEF SCOUT – PETE MILLARD RESERVE TEAM MANAGER – RYAN ANDRESS ASSISTANT RESERVE TEAM MANAGER – DARREN NICHOLSON HEAD OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – ELLIOTT TRODD THE CITIZENS POST CONTACT US

[email protected] [email protected]

Winchester City Football Club

@wincityfc @WCFC-Staff @WCFC_Fans

The Simplyhealth City Ground, Hillier Way, Abbots Barton, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7SR. 07825 828918.

THE CITIZENS POST CUP DRAWS

Hampshire Senior Cup 2nd Round – Tuesday 18th September WCFC v Hartley Wintney

FA Trophy Extra Preliminary Round – Saturday 29th September Slimbridge v WCFC

FA Trophy Preliminary Round – Saturday 13th October Slimbridge or WCFC v Melksham Town

FA Cup Preliminary Round – Saturday 25th August WCFC v Bournemouth FC

FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round – Week beginning 17th September WCFC v Moneyfields

Southampton Senior Cup 2nd Round WCFC v Folland Sports OR Athletico Romsey

Southern League Challenge Cup Preliminary Round – w/c 3rd September WCFC v Gosport Borough

THE CITIZENS POST MALCOLM’S MUSINGS

We welcome Thatcham to Winchester for this season’s league match which will be our first home league game of the season. Thatcham join this league having been promoted as champions of the Hellenic League Premier Division and also as FA Vase winners and the match is given added spice by the fact that the Thatcham manager Danny Robinson is a former Winchester boss.

Thatcham have the distinction of being founder members of both the Hellenic League and the Wessex League and Lawrie Sanchez who scored the winning goal in the 1988 F A Cup final played for the club as a youngster. I have seen the club play both at their current venue and their former home at Lancaster Close and recall them having a friendly committee.

This is their second spell as a Southern League club. They played at this level from 2006/07 to 2013/14 finishing in the top eight in four of these seasons. I remember seeing both the teams that won both the Hellenic League and Wessex League for the first time, with the former containing the likes of Charlie and Maurice Palmer, Charlie Penny and Steve Foster. They also had an excellent record in the Wessex League Cup, while in their Wessex League days I remember the likes of Hugh Whorriskey, Neil Baker, Freddie Stephens and Nicky Voller playing for them.

The clubs were in the same division in the Southern League during 2006/07. 2007/08 and 2008/09 and the Wessex League in 2003/04, 2004/04 and 2005/06. Results in these league games have been Winchester scores first 2003/04 H8-1 A1-0, 2004/05 H1-3 A3-3, 2005/06 H 2-3 A1-0, 2006/07 H2-1 A3-2, 2007/08 H1-0 A2-1, 2008/09 H1-1 A0-3.

As you can see from these results Winchester have had the better of these games, but honours have been even in the last four matches played on this ground and having been promoted into this league as champions and F A Vase winners Thatcham certainly have momentum on their side as they start the season.

Thatcham’s forward Gavin James is a full international player having represented St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Southampton forward Charlie Austin who was born in Hungerford was with the club briefly in 2008 without making any appearances. Of their current players Harry Grant has also played in the football league, while Tom Melledew who captained the team last season is the son of former football league striker Steve Melledew who I enjoyed meeting when he was Assistant Manager of Newbury. Former Winchester players Andy Jenkinson and Matt Benham are also at Thatcham.

In 1996/97 they beat Gloucester City and Bashley of the Southern League to reach the 4th qualifying round of the F A Cup where Boreham Wood ended their interest in the competition. In addition to their F A Vase success last year , they have reached the 4th round proper of the competition on five other occasions appearing in the 5th round proper one of these occasions and the quarter finals on another.

For fans wanting to travel to the game at Thatcham which is scheduled for 12th January it is perhaps worth noting that the ground is near the station even if you have to travel via Reading to get there. I have visited the ground on many occasions during their Wessex League days.

May we start our home league campaign better than last year when we suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Kidlington, but there has been encouraging signs regarding our team spirit during pre-season and may this stand in good stead for the season ahead.

May Thatcham enjoy their visit today, although I obviously hope the result goes Winchester’s way and hope to see many of you on Saturday when we begin our F A Cup campaign against Bournemouth Poppies. THE CITIZENS POST SOUTHERN LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND DRAW Ties to be played in week commencing 3rd September 2018: Alvechurch v Bromsgrove Sporting Chesham United v Dunstable Town Coleshill Town v Sutton Coldfield Town Corby Town v Peterborough Sports Didcot Town v Thame United Fleet Town v Farnborough Hitchin Town v Harrow Borough Kempston Rovers v AFC Dunstable Kings Langley v Welwyn Garden City Leiston v Cambridge City Mangotsfield United v Larkhall Athletic North Leigh v Banbury United Redditch United v Rushall Olympic St Neots Town v Bedford Town Swindon Supermarine v Yate Town Tamworth v Coalville Town Taunton Town v Street Walton Casuals v Beaconsfield Town WCFC v Gosport Borough Yaxley v St Ives Town

THE CITIZENS POST LEAGUE HONOURS

Southern League: Play-Off Semi-Finalists (2016)

Wessex Premier League: Winners (2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2011-12)

Runners-Up (2004- 2005, 2014-2015)

Hampshire County League: Winners (1928-1929)

Hampshire Premier League: Winners (2002-2003)

Hampshire League Division 1: Winners (2001-2002)

Runners-Up (1929-1930, 1949-1950 & 1970-1971)

Hampshire League Division 2: Winners (1957-1958, 1973-1974 & 1991-1992)

Hampshire League Division 3: Runners-Up (1967-1968 & 1979-1980)

Hampshire League Division 3 East: Runners-Up (1949-1950 & 1951-1952)

Hampshire League North Division: Winners (1904-1905 & 1928-1929)

Runners-Up (1909- 1910, 1911-1912 & 1919-1920)

Hampshire League Championship Shield: Winners (1928-1929)

Hampshire League Combination Division 2: Winners (2005-2006)

South Hampshire League: Winners (1896-1897, 1897-1898 & 1898-1899)

North Hants League: Winners (2002-2003)

THE CITIZENS POST CUP HONOURS

FA Vase: Winners (2004)

Hampshire Senior Cup: Winners (1935 & 2005)

Finalists (1888 & 2016)

Hampshire Tournament Cup: Winners (1888)

Finalists (1889 & 1890)

Hampshire Floodlit Cup: Winners (2005)

Finalists (2003)

Russell Cotes Cup: Winners (1955 & 1971)

North Hants Senior Cup: Winners (1982, 1987, 2002 & 2015)

North Hants League Cup: Winners (2003)

Southampton Senior Cup: Winners (1950, 1952, 2001 & 2003)

Finalists (1909) Basingstoke Senior Cup: Finalists (2002)

Andover & District Open Cup: Winners (2002)

Hampshire Intermediate Cup: Winners (1952, 1968, 1973 & 2002)

Wessex League Cup: Winners (2004)

Wyvern Challenge Shield: Finalists (2013)

Hampshire League, League Cup: Winners (1994 & 2003)

Hampshire League Combination Cup: Finalists (2002)

Hampshire Chronicle Cup: Winners (2005)

Southern Newspapers Invitation Cup: Winners (1971)

Inter-League Challenge: Winners (2001 & 2002)

THE CITIZENS POST CLUB SPONSORS

THE CITIZENS POST PLAYER PROFILES

RYAN PRYCE – Ex-AFC Bournemouth Goalkeeper that also lists Salisbury City, Gosport Borough and Fleet Town amongst his former clubs. Pryce made five senior appearances for the Cherries, making his debut against Southend United.

DANNY KING - Left sided defender, the clubs longest-serving player currently and a real fans favourite. A teacher by trade, he has played for Chelsea and Southampton in his youth. Danny reached his testimonial year last season and had his testimonial at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

JOSH HARFIELD – 21-year-old defender who was City reserve player three seasons ago. Since played for Whitchurch United and most recently, Fleet Town, Harfield has returned to City last summer, a player with real potential for the future.

JOE HAYWARD – Defender who joined us last season having previously been with Eastleigh FC, unfortunately broke his leg recently but returned quickly and showed what great potential he has. Delighted he is with us again this year and look forward to seeing him in action.

JAMIE BARRON - Resigned from Gosport Borough Jamie has played for Salisbury, Andover, Sholing and Folland Sports. A winner of a Schools National Cup medal. Appointed Captain for another season and a really important player for us.

OLI BAILEY – 20-year-old striker who has joined the club last summer from Gosport Borough, has also previously played for Swindon Supermarine and started out as a youngster at Southampton FC. Pacey, enthusiastic forward with a bright future. Scored 21 goals last season and is looking to push on again this campaign.

ROB CARR – 24-year-old highly rated winger that has previously played for both Woking and also Fleet Town. Another regular goal scorer with 20 goals plus in his last 3 seasons for Fleet Town. Entering his second season with the Citizens.

SIMBA MLAMBO – Also signed from Davis’ former club, Fleet Town. Mlambo has spent the past few seasons in North Hampshire and was an Alton Town player before this. Can play wide or up front and a player with immense speed and power in the air. Another playing starting his second season with City.

JOSH TOMBS - 17-year-old youth team goalkeeper who was promoted to the first team squad this year after an excellent season in the reserves last season.

JOSH CORNER - midfielder who is still in the youth team but made several appearances and impressed last season despite his young age.

HARVEY CLARK - Another youth team player who made a first team debut last season, he is a defender who we have high hopes for.

SAM ROBERTS - Defender signed this summer from AFC Totton, delighted to have this powerful player in the squad who has great experience at this level.

LAMAR KOROMA - 18-year-old midfielder signed from Woking, has really impressed during pre-season.

TYRELL MITFORD - Forward player signed from Team Solent, played for Gosport at step 3 last season, excited to have this player on board and has already settled in well after signing this summer. Mitford previously has football league experience with QPR. REECE RUSHER - Wide player who has re-joined the club this season after playing for us in our Wessex League days, part of the Andover Town side who gained promotion only to not take it this summer.

JAKE RAWKINS - Diminutive tricky winger who we signed from Bemerton in the Wessex league after scoring a lot of goals for them last season. He has played at this level previously for AFC Totton.

LIAM GILBERT - Combative ball playing midfield player in his first full season for the Citizens after signing halfway through last season, previously captain for AFC Totton.

MATT ANDREWS - Forward player signed this summer from Fareham Town, has played at this level in the past for Petersfield Town. Currently dual-registered with Fleetlands in the Hampshire Premier League.

CONNOR COCKLIN - Defender who is another player part of Andover Town promotion season last year, Davo is a long- time admirer and delighted to have signed him this season.

BRAD GALE - Powerful midfielder who has signed after a brief spell last season, played for Verwood Town and Poole Town where he was highly regarded by their supporters.

BEN SUNLEY - goal scoring Forward player who had a fantastic season in the reserves last season, still a youth team player but has been heavily involved in the 1st team already.

CALLUM KITCHER - Delighted to sign Callum this season, he joined our reserves after the deadline day at end of last season, played a number of games for the reserve team and impressed, look forward to having him in the squad this season. Currently dual-registered with Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

STAFF PROFILES

CRAIG DAVIS – Player-Manager who came to City from Fleet Town after relinquishing his position as Manager. Took over as Interim Manager until the end of the 2016-17 season before taking over the reins permanently. His playing career started off as a pro at Cardiff City before spells at Bashley, Salisbury, Gosport Borough and AFC Totton. Has won both the Southern League South and West and Premier as a player.

JOHN McFARLANE - Assistant Manager to Davo who was appointed this summer after doing the same role successfully with Andover Town last season. John returns to the club having previously been on the management team at Winchester in the past, also at Blackfield and Langley, welcome back.

JO BROCKSOM - Jo is in her 3rd season now at Winchester as Sports therapist, this is her 1st season taking a leading role though, has been integral in keeping our players on the pitch and delighted to have her with the club again this season.

PETE MILLARD – Scout – Someone Craig Davis brought to the club this season and has previously worked for Bashley FC and Craig at Fleet Town, has a wealth of knowledge and provides important information to Craig throughout the season, really crucial member of the management team. THE CITIZENS POST TODAY’S SQUADS

WINCHESTER CITY FC (From): THATCHAM TOWN (From):

RYAN PRYCE CHRIS RACKLEY DANNY KING GARETH THOMAS JOE HAYWARD MICHAEL MILLER JOSH HARFIELD MATT SCOTT CRAIG DAVIS MARK HUGHES SAM ROBERTS CURTIS ANGELL SIMBA MLAMBO BEN COOK JAMIE BARRON © LEWIS COYLE LIAM GILBERT ANDY JENKINSON LAMAR KOROMA TOM MELLEDEW JAKE RAWKINS SCOTT REES TYRELL MITFORD MATT BENHAM OLI BAILEY EKOW ELLIOTT HARVEY CLARK SHANE COOPER-CLARK REECE RUSHER LUKE CAIRNEY (GK) CONNOR COCKLIN TOM BROWNE BRAD GALE JOSH MADDISON ROB CARR JOSH HOWELL JOSH CORNER LAMIN SANKOH BEN SUNLEY JAMES TENNANT JOSH TOMBS (GK) GEORGE HALLAHAN

Referee – Barrie Small

Asst. Referee – Liam White

Asst. Referee – Alex Staniforth

Observer – Richard Archer www.winchestercityfc.co.uk